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Tag Archives: Turkey

Yasru are a two piece from Istanbul and play folk metal with some doom touches. Sung in Turkish with ethnic instruments used in some of the songs, Yasru are more rock than metal (to my ears) but still have some catchy tunes and great melodies to satisfy most folk-metalheads.

Hailing from Reijka, Asheraah are a five-piece that play some lovely instrumental post-metal/post-rock. Gorgeous melodies, soaring guitar solos and pretty sweet riffs all add up to one beautiful slab of post-metal/rock goodness.

PREDICTION: Turkey and Croatia have met previously in Euro tournaments, most notably in 2008 when a Semih Senturk equaliser in added time in extra time broke Croatian hearts and helped the Turks beat them on penalties. Croatia will be out to settle the score and I think they will sneak a hard fought 2-1 win.

Musically, both bands are quite different but they are both really good too. Based on riffs and melodies, I have to give this to Asheraah.

GAME SIX: POLAND vs NORTHERN IRELAND

WARBELL vs ABBOTOIR

According to the genre list on Metal-Archives, Poland has a love affair with both black metal and death metal but melodic death metal is not far behind and Warbell are a great example of Polish death metal. Great riffs, sweet melodic solos and tasty vocals make for a damn fine listen.

Funeral doom merchants Abbotoir play long, looong songs (check out their catalogue-not one song under 18 mins!) full of bleak, desolate riffs, haunted vocals and a feeling of futility….perfect Sunday afternoon listening! A band to listen to with all the sharp implements safely tucked away!

PREDICTION: Poland are old hands at tournament football but this is Northern Ireland’s first foray into the Euros, and after finishing top of their group the Northern Irish will feel pretty confident of securing a victory. The Poles will have something to say about that and I’ve a feeling this will end in a draw. 2-2.

Musically I have to give this to Abbotoir. Funeral doom with despair and futility in the driver’s seat!

GAME SEVEN: GERMANY vs UKRAINE

MANTAR vs KRODA

Mantar are a sludgy metal duo that throws in black metal, thrash and whatever else they feel like to produce an aggressive mix of powerful songs full of catchy, sludgy riffs.

Kroda, a pagan folk black metal act, have been around since 2004 and have 7 full-length albums to their name. Black metal riffs, the use of keyboards and flutes and the usual ‘heathen-antiChristianity,-nature’ lyrics should add up to the same-old-same-old, but Kroda mix all these up and produce something that is familiar but refreshing at the same time. Epic without being cheesy, a cut above most pagan/folk BM acts out there.

PREDICTION: Currently World champions Germany will be looking to carry on were they left off in Brazil two years ago. One of the tournament favourites and it’s hard to see them lose to a good, but not spectacular Ukrainian side. 2-0 Germany.

Musically, Kroda take the win just based on back catalogue alone and the variety of their compositions.